The extraordinary exchange of prisoners between Israel and Hamas brings good news to a region long starved of that commodity. Hamas has handed over Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to Egyptian mediators after five years' captivity, and in exchange, 1000 Palestinians will be set free, and returned to their families.
Hamas may be hoping that this good will gesture will lead to their popularity increasing in the Gaza area. Whatever their hopes, for all concerned, the lives of hundreds of families are transformed.
In a context with some parallels, as an unpopular occupying force of Romans made life unbearable in many ways, especially for the poor, Jesus spoke of freedom for prisoners. 'The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to Jesus. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.' (Luke 4.17-18) The whole of his ministry was spent in bringing freedom to captives, and changing lives.
We may not be incarcerated in an Israeli jail, or be held by an organisation like Hamas, but most in our society are captive to fashion, or held prisoners in bondage to destructive habits, addicted to drink, drugs, shopping, and much else. Our consumerist culture promises so much, and delivers debt and frustration.
But Jesus can set us and others free. That is wonderfully Good News. It is exciting to see people at Christianity Explored discovering this Good News, as they get to see who Jesus is.
Today, let us bring Good News to prisoners too.
Best wishes,
Richard
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